I’ve got some great news, and it doesn’t even require a resolution. First, grapefruits are the stuff of Winter (oh yeah!). And second, I’m offering 6-Week Online Nutrition Boot Camps starting next week (1/15/18), and there’s still time to sign up with a Loving the Bike coupon (more on this below).

But first, let’s talk grapefruits. In Winter, the prices come down (a bit), and you can usually find fresh, juicy ones at the store. This week, we’ll review why grapefruits should be one of your go-to fruits and we’ll “wake it up” with a wonderfully refreshing grapefruit smoothie. Grapefruits go above and beyond the nutrients of many foods, even other ones found in produce section. Did I mention they can help you lose weight? Bring on the grapefruits!

1) In the picture, this smoothie is obviously not green. I call it “green” because it includes a whole cup of green. The berries’ color overtage the green. Either way, it’s not easy being green, and it’s all good stuff.

2) This is not jamba juice. If you want your smoothie to taste like jamba juice, you’ll have to go there and enjoy a smoothie much higher in sugar and processed ingredients. If not, I think you’ll feel refreshed and satisfied having started your day with some ginger, greens, and grapefruit. I know I do!

Next, there’s lots of good reasons to eat grapefruits while you still can. On the list, is potential weight/fat loss. You’ve heard of the grapefruit diet, right? Eat grapefruits and lose weight. And of course, most cyclists wouldn’t mind losing fat and improving strength to weight ratio. But, is it science or quackery? Is there something magic to the grapefruit? Well, you can rest assured that I’m certainly NOT recommending you eat nothing but grapefruits. But, it may help to add them. Here’s some food for thought:

Grapefruits, specifically red ones, can lower bad cholesterol and promote heart health. In fact, Israeli researchers found that a daily red grapefruit could lower “bad” LDL cholesterol by 20.3% in just 30 days. And, they also lowered triglycerides by 17.2%. It might be the pectin fiber, the antioxidants, or most likely, the whole-food combination of nutrients that grapefruits offer.

Grapefruits support the immune system with high levels of vitamin C. More than one study has suggested that vitamin C is a cold fighter. The less you’re sick this winter, the more you can get out on your bike. And, as an antioxidant, Vitamin C works to reduce artery plagues, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Grapefruits, like tomatoes, contain our old friend lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid nutrient that fights free radicals and may have anti-cancer properties. What’s more, grapefruits also provide limonoids, phytonutrients that inhibit tumor formation and promote more circulation of glutathione, a detoxifying enzyme and antioxidant.

And, weight loss: It’s true…reputable studies have shown that grapefruits can aide weight loss. When grapefruits (1/2 large) are added to a normal meal, or better yet, replace part of a normal meal, they’ve been shown to increase weight loss in study participants. Grapefruits tend to decrease insulin spikes after meals; and, when our bodies pump out insulin in response to food, they often store more fat than they would with a lesser insulin spike. If added to a good cycling training regimen that helps you continue to build strength, you could be riding stronger and lighter with the help of some grapefruits.

One warning for anyone on medications: Compounds in grapefruits do increase the levels of specific medications such as statins in the bloodstream. For anyone taking statins or another med that interacts with grapefruits, levels can become harmful. So, please know your medications, risk factors, interactions, and discuss with your doctor if you are unsure.

This week, you’re in for a treat. First, try a grapefruit. Peel it and eat it as a snack, or, add it to a smoothie. Our smoothie starts with grapefruits, and then becomes a powerhouse as we add berries, greens, ginger, and chia seeds. C’mon. Does it get better? Then, if you want to jump in with both feet and work with me week-by-week to establish some great nutrition habits both on and off the bike, sign up for the Boot Camp above. Good things happen as you keep training for power while eating “clean” and losing fat. And, both grapefruits and the boot camp can help.

Fuel Your Ride. Nourish Your Body.

]]>http://lovingthebike.com/uncategorized/loving-the-bike-how-grapefruits-improve-cycling-all-new-apex-online-nutrition-boot-camp/feed0What type of bicycle to choose?http://lovingthebike.com/uncategorized/what-type-of-bicycle-to-choose
http://lovingthebike.com/uncategorized/what-type-of-bicycle-to-choose#respondThu, 11 Jan 2018 00:14:37 +0000http://lovingthebike.com/?p=22464While choosing a bicycle can be a source of happiness for the most passionate, beginners or casual cyclists can easily get lost in the face of the wide variety of offers and existing models. This little guide is for the latter, how to have it a little clearer? How to choose your bicycle well? The choice of a bicycle depends above all on what you are going to use it for. Pedaling around the city, the countryside, the mountain? Are you going to go out regularly and do great distances? First you have to ask yourself what you need and then choose your bike:

Go up

The off-road bicycle is, as its name suggests, the ideal bicycle to go on an adventure outside the city and on well-trodden paths. Currently there are many bicycles for different types of practices and uses. But which one to choose? Do I need a big fork? A bicycle with suspension, a lightweight MTB, with big tires?

For both family trips and sporting trips, MTBs usually have a front fork and do not have a rear suspension. The front fork offers comfort by cushioning the roughness of the ground. The rigid fork is lighter, but less expensive.

For the rear suspension (on a bicycle “with full suspension”), the shock absorber in the frame has the advantage of greater comfort in very rough terrain, but its disadvantage is its price, weight and the loss of a little power in the pedaling.

Thus, when pedaling, we exert a pressure on the pedal that advances the bicycle, but also compresses the shock absorber: it is the so-called pumping effect. A bicycle with full suspension is interesting if you pedal through difficult terrain. This type may be expensive and if you do not have enough money, you are advised to take loans online.

Bicycles are put to the test and must be very solid.

It is better to opt for a bicycle with disc brakes, because in the big descents they have better performance than the «V-brake» brakes. It is also better a bicycle with large front and rear suspensions (more than 100 mm, ideally 150 or more).

About freeriding

Freeriding is a very dangerous practice, do not try to overcome obstacles or clues that make you doubt! We also recommend the use of an “integral” helmet because you can easily fall. If you pedal as much by the city as by the field, you go by asphalt and you travel small ways, the off-road bicycle is the bicycle that you need. For those who want to practice sports and leisure without getting tired in the bike outings, the BTC will take you everywhere, as it is a multipurpose bicycle.

Pedaling on roads and highways

Pedaling on roads and highways, your tire is more likely to find a thorn or small stones that can puncture your air chamber. Do not forget to take with you the necessary material to repair a possible puncture (levers of covers, patches, air chamber …).

City bicycle

If you want to go to work by bicycle, go shopping, go see your friends, always on the road, do not hesitate, the city bike is for you!

These bikes have large wheels and fairly thin tires, which is perfect for riding comfortably and easily on the asphalt. You can add a basket or saddlebags to carry your things; the bike is comfortable and is usually well equipped. City bikes must be practical and effective!

]]>http://lovingthebike.com/uncategorized/what-type-of-bicycle-to-choose/feed0Preparing For Your First Mountain Biking Holidayhttp://lovingthebike.com/cycling-travel/preparing-for-your-first-mountain-biking-holiday
http://lovingthebike.com/cycling-travel/preparing-for-your-first-mountain-biking-holiday#commentsFri, 08 Dec 2017 18:57:43 +0000http://lovingthebike.com/?p=22431There are many wonderful cycling holiday destinations in the UK with stunning mountainous regions and beautiful unspoilt countryside. But for the novice cyclist, going on your first cycling holiday can be a little intimidating. The best strategy is to plan a holiday that is right for your level. There are many internet resources and travelling operators that can help you with this. Once everything is booked, here are some things to do to prepare for your biking holiday.

Prepare your kit

Proper bike maintenance keeps you safe and allows you to enjoy your ride a lot more. Here are a few things you should check before setting off on your holiday: 1) Make sure your tyres are inflated2) Check that the bolts on wheels, handlebars, saddle and other areas of the bike are tight. If they are loose this could cause injury. 3) CHECK YOUR BRAKES are working correctly!

Being at optimal fitness will not only make you less likely to get injured, you will also enjoy the ride more. Develop a training programme well in advance of your holiday. It should involve all round fitness, not just rides. Nothing is a substitute for saddle time however, and you should aim to fit in longer rides as well as interval training. If you can, try to get in hills as well, although this may be difficult depending on your area.

Insurance

According to the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents, 18,477 UK cyclists were injured in 2016. Obviously you are going to try your best not to have an accident but if the worst does happen you might want to consider taking out a sport specific insurance policy. Sometimes standard travel insurance plans won’t cover you for cycling holidays, particularly if you are mountain biking serious hills instead of leisurely cruising along flats. Do you research to see if you’re covered and, if not, consider taking out some extra insurance.

With a little preparation, your cycling holiday should be an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. Get on your bike, out into nature and enjoy.

]]>http://lovingthebike.com/cycling-travel/preparing-for-your-first-mountain-biking-holiday/feed1Sleep and Cycling – Guide to Sleeping Well Before Your Racehttp://lovingthebike.com/uncategorized/sleep-and-cycling-guide-to-sleeping-well-before-your-race
http://lovingthebike.com/uncategorized/sleep-and-cycling-guide-to-sleeping-well-before-your-race#respondMon, 27 Nov 2017 16:37:37 +0000http://lovingthebike.com/?p=22327I believe nobody questions anymore the vital role sleep plays in our lives, not just for the physical regeneration, but for our mental revival as well. Still, it’s salutary to know that when you’re a cyclist – professional or amateur – sleep has even a more foremost significance than it does for a non-athletic person. Poor sleeping affects the reconstruction our body and mind need, and that will impact our performance in racing the next day.

A sleep-related stereotype is that we should have at least 7 – 8 hours of rest per night. But our bodies are incredibly different! Some people go by with even five hours of sleep, while others need maybe nine. The point is you don’t need to listen to clichés, but to your body – it will tell you how much rest it requires. And if falling asleep seems complicated, let me offer a few tips and tricks which will help you get the perfect night slumber you need for optimal performance.

Set a sleeping schedule and relax before going to bed

Experts agree that going to bed at approximately the same hour in the evening and waking up at the same time every morning will help your body develop a useful routine, which will take the edge off and let you go to sleep naturally the night before a race. Also, if you do something relaxing ahead bedtime, it will unwind your mind and prepare it for a peaceful rest. You could enjoy a good book, listen to music, do some handcrafting, take a relaxing bath or get a massage.

Exercise during the day

Heavy work-out in the evening is not recommended, but light exercising can be helpful because it will decrease the level of exciting hormones in your body (such as adrenaline) and thus set up a serene state of mind. Make sure you’re done with exercising in time for getting a light evening meal and enjoy the pleasant activity meant to help you unwind.

Eat light and avoid stimulators

Going to bed hungry is not a good idea, but neither is eating too much and too heavy before sleeping. Take into account that the food you eat will impact the quality of your sleep. One vital aspect is to avoid any stimulators – coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, energizing drinks, etc. Enjoy a light dinner, at least three hours before going to bed.

Create a soothing environment

A dark room, with the proper temperature, no noise, and a comfortable mattress in your bed – these are the indispensable ingredients for a perfect sleeping set. Using an inappropriate bedding will severely damage your rest. That’s why you need the right product to help your body rest in the proper position so that you won’t wake up with back or neck pain, arm or leg numbness or a dizziness sensation. Find the one that agrees with you best by following reviews on www.trymattress.com; you’ll see that most experts consider foam and gel-infused mattresses with a medium level of firmness as recommendable for sportspeople.

The blue light all electronic devices cast when being on is, in fact, harmful to that good night rest you’re hoping to get. As bedtime approaches, it’s best to turn them off – let go of the smartphone social media conversations or that last episode of your favorite series. Try some meditation instead or some simple relaxation techniques. They are very compelling tools for convincing the brain it’s time to unwind and go to sleep. Also, don’t think about the next day race, its difficulties or challenges. Clear your mind of stressful thoughts and picture something that makes you smile.

]]>http://lovingthebike.com/uncategorized/sleep-and-cycling-guide-to-sleeping-well-before-your-race/feed0Loving the BITE: Recovery Wrap-Uphttp://lovingthebike.com/cycling-recipe-idea/loving-the-bite-recovery-wrap-up
http://lovingthebike.com/cycling-recipe-idea/loving-the-bite-recovery-wrap-up#respondSun, 26 Nov 2017 16:00:05 +0000http://lovingthebike.com/?p=21754Of my many tips to save time and sanity in the kitchen (found here), one of my favorites will always be the slow cooker. There’s something about having dinner done way ahead of time. Something about going for a late afternoon ride, and coming back to dinner being done. It’s not just not having to cook during the crazy witching-hour when everyone’s starving and meltdowns seems inevitable. Somehow, the whole day can seem less stressful, once dinner’s in the slow cooker.

And this week, we’ve got a delicious and perfectly light at night slow cooker option that can be made for meat lovers or vegetarians. It won’t heat up your whole kitchen or house like an oven, because along with the outdoor grill, slow cookers are perfect time-savers this time of year.

Recipe of the Week: “Light at Night” Beef & Broccoli

Vegetarian: In place of steak, use 1.5 cups lentils + 1.5 cups water (rinsed and picked over well) OR 3 cups of Baby Portabella Mushrooms

1 cup organic beef broth

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/3 cup real maple or honey

1/2 Tbsp sesame oil

1/2 Tbsp coconut oil

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1/4 tsp red chili flakes

4 cups broccoli florets

2 Tbsp cornstarch + 4 Tbsp cold water

Instructions:

Grease the inside of your slow cooker with coconut oil.

Add first 8 ingredients (steaks through chili flakes) to slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, place broccoli in microwave and microwave for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile mix cornstarch and cold water together and stir well. Add broccoli and corn starch mixture to slow cooker and allow to heat on low for last 30 minutes.

Serve with Cauliflower Rice for extra detoxifying nutrient power! You can find my recipe for cauliflower rice here, or check out this new product from Taylor Farms – Ready-Made Cauliflower Pearls!

Comments: Why do I keep harping on eating “light at night?”

You’ve heard it before – there’s no better than the evening, when most activity is done for the day, to load up on vegetables, even double-down on vegetables, and go light on the carbs. Most standard American diets are loaded with processed grains at dinner…right when you no longer need “quick energy” nutrients. As a cyclist, if you’re trying to lose fat or maintain a lean weight, dinner is a great time to reduce calories and carbs (especially processed) ones and eat vegetables instead.

Of course, though, whole-food nutrition is NOT about what you’re giving up or omitting…it’s more about what nourishing whole-foods have in store for you…

Here’s the what and the why of “Light at Night” Beef & Broccoli over Cauliflower Rice:

Proteins: Organic, grazed, local, or the best quality beef you can get will provide a huge amount of protein, vitamins and minerals. Beyond recovery after riding, protein at dinner can further decrease any muscle wasting, encourage muscle repair and rebuilding, and reducing spikes in blood sugar/insulin. Especially if you’re training earlier in the day, make sure to include protein at dinner. And, if you prefer non-meat protein, lentils are a great choice.

Vegetables: Two of the best – broccoli and cauliflower provide a 1-2-3 detoxifying power punch of nutrients for the body. To read all about why they should be a daily part of an athletes diet, read more here.

Carbohydrates: Why not grains and other carbohydrates at dinner? While I think it’s fine to include these occasionally, if you’re actively trying to lose fat, keep it to just 2 dinners or so a week. Carbohydrates are simply not needed by the body in the evening if you’re relaxing, and serve only as an extra calorie source. They promote increased insulin levels, which promotes fat storage, especially when they are not readily used (as they would be immediately before, during, or after training). They are often inflammatory in the body, especially if they are refined grains or sugars (refined grains act very similarly to sugars in the body). What’s more, the extra insulin output can interfere with hormones that are released at night and work to promote optimal muscle repair and recovery. Bummer!

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Proactively add carbs back in, around 30 grams or so, when it’s the evening before an extra strenuous or long ride or if it’s immediately after an evening training. Thirty grams of carbs is the equivalent of 2/3 cup cooked brown rice, quinoa, or beans, 1 large banana, 1 medium sweet potato, 1 cup whole-grain pasta, 1 1/2 cup fruit, 8 oz. chocolate milk, etc.

Prefer to Watch? Here’s my video on Light at Night Dinners:

Want more? Here are a couple other delicious Asian-inspired ways tto keep it light at night. Asian Wraps, Curry Sauce Leftovers, and now Beef & Broccoli. Don’t forget to purposefully add in loads of vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats. It’s not about minimizing foods. It’s about eating the right whole foods, when you’re body needs and can use them. Eat for wellness day to day. Eat for performance before, during, and after your ride.

Fuel Your Ride. Nourish Your Body.

If you’d like to work with Kelli one-on-one with a Custom Nutrition Plan & Coaching, or download one of her acclaimed Instant Download Plans like Fuel Right Race Light, click here: Apex Nutrition Plans for Endurance Athletes. Be sure to use coupon code lovingthebike for a 15% discount!

]]>http://lovingthebike.com/cycling-recipe-idea/loving-the-bite-recovery-wrap-up/feed0Loving the BITE: Honey Applesauce for Whole-Food Fuelhttp://lovingthebike.com/uncategorized/loving-the-bite-honey-applesauce-for-whole-food-fuel
http://lovingthebike.com/uncategorized/loving-the-bite-honey-applesauce-for-whole-food-fuel#respondThu, 26 Oct 2017 14:12:46 +0000http://lovingthebike.com/?p=21825It’s officially apple season! And, if you’re looking for a delicious, easy way to use your harvest or farmer’s market deals, look no further than applesauce. This week, we’ll make it with honey (a great fuel for cyclists!) and use it at pre-training fuel. It also works well on the bike, with breakfast over oatmeal, or on top of pork chops – lots of options.

There’s still time for beautiful Autumn rides, so why not fuel it with honey applesauce?

Recipe of the week: Easy Honey Applesauce

Ingredients:

2 lbs apples, cored and chopped into 1-inch chunks (can be peeled or left unpeeled)

¼ cup water

½ tsp cinnamon, or to taste

¼ cup organic (raw, local if possible) honey

Instructions:

In a large pot, mix chopped apples and water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Lower heat to medium-low, and cover and cook over for ~15-20 minutes stirring frequently.

Remove from stove and allow to cool. Once cooled, place cooked apples & liquid, honey, and cinnamon in a food processor (preferred) or blender. It may take multiple batches. Process to desired consistency.

Stir all batches together.

Store in covered container and refrigerate to store. Freeze any portions not used within 3 days.

Place cut apples & 1 cup of water in Instant Pot. Close and set to manual high pressure for 8 minutes (make sure steam vent is sealed). Allow to set for 2-3 minutes once finished, release pressure and allow to cool slightly. Pick up instructions above at step #2 EXCEPT discard liquid from Instant Pot and place apples, honey & cinnamon in processor.

Pre-Ride fuel for a Ride up to 3 hours: Simply eat 1/2-1 1/2 cups as is and then get on the bike for a great ride. Make sure to add fuel during the ride when riding longer than 90 minutes.

Pre-Ride fuel for longer Rides, 3+ hours: For longer rides, your body can use a few extra nutrients in addition the wonderful carbs found in this applesauce. Consider adding 1 Tablespoon of melted organic coconut oil for great medium chain triglycerides, 1/2 cup or 1/2 scoop protein powder for sustained energy and a leg-up on muscle recovery, and 1/12 tsp salt for a sodium pre-load. Even more nourishment packed in to a delicious pre-ride fuel option!

Comments:

We all know apples are great for the body (and if you missed it a couple week ago, you can find my list here). But, how does honey applesauce specifically make for good pre-ride nutrition?

Carbohydrates: Carbs are simply the body’s preferrred fuel during a ride, and the long-lasting carbs from cooked apples and honey are a great choice. Since these apples are in pureed form, rather than fresh, raw form, they will digest faster to provide energy more efficiently without the risk of stomach cramps. In addition, honey (organic, raw) works great for training fuel is well-documented throughout my posts. It is a great source of quickly metabolized carbs that provide lasting energy similar to maltodextrin. It’s made up of almost equal parts glucose and fructose, so works well as a stand alone or within a recipe such as this. nd, as long as it’s organic or raw, honey will provide enzymes that aid in digestion and antioxidants that promote cellular health.

Enzymes: The natural enzymes found in live foods, such as fresh fruit and organic honey can aide digestion. Since many athletes experience digestion issues on the bike, the more enzymes to help, the better.

Antioxidants: The more work your body’s doing, the more biochemical reactions are taking place. With more reactions, you can get more of a build-up of free radicals and oxidative stress. In both the short-term and the long-term, this can spell trouble at the cellular level. The antioxidants found in fruits and organic honey can neutralize these trouble makers.

And, if you add the extra ingredients for long rides:

Protein: Protein can be important before long rides (in pre-training fuel, not necessarily “during training”). As long as you choose sources that are easy for you to digest, personally, they are a great compliment to carbohydrates. I choose plain dairy yogurt because it provides both a fast acting (whey) and a slow acting (casein) protein. If you have any issues digesting casein, you can substitute whey protein, or another protein powder.

Probiotics: I’m a fan of consuming these healthy bacteria before and after training. Why? They can reduce gastro-intestinal issues even in the short-term, increase the absorption of antioxidants, improve recovery, and even beneficially impact VO2 Max.

Medium Chain Triglycerides: These special saturated fats are quickly digested and metabolized like carbs, bypassing the normal slow, bile-dependant digestive path of most fats. What’s more, they are used directly by the energy powerhouses of the cell, the mitochondria, and offer more than twice the calories (energy) of carbohydrates per gram. Organic coconut oil happens to be a great source of medium chain triglycerides.

Salt: Salt is a simple ingredient that can add a concentrated form of sodium for training. Just 1/8 tsp adds 300 mg sodium which can increase blood volume, and decrease the impacts of sodium loss including over-heating.

BONUS – Big Announcement & New Site:

Do you have any friends, family or acquaintances that would enjoy my nutrition recipes, tips & plans without the sports nutrition emphasis? Or maybe you’d like another? A place for a healthy, fit, adventurous life (but not the training nutrition)? If so, please check out and share my new site, Fresh Fit Life (www.freshfitlife.com). I thrilled to be able to extend my writing, plans, and work to athletes and ‘non-athletes’ alike, and will hopefully inspire all to be fit and healthy (this will NOT) affect my work here @ Loving the Bike or at my Sports Nutrition site www.apexnutritionllc.com.

This Week: If you’ve got an apple problem in the form of a huge harvest, make applesauce, freeze it, and enjoy all these performance and health benefits for the months to come. Or, head to the store for great in-season prices and do the same. Whole, real foods are a great way to fuel your ride & nourish your body.

Augmented Reality is one of the new buzz words for electronics, and thanks to Everysmart it’s already part of cycling. By using the Raptor Smartglasses, all your metrics and information from your cycling computer can now be found right in your line of sight.

Raptor will come in three colours choices and have a MSRP of US$649 for the 16GB and $699 for the 32GB version, but let me tell you how to get them at a much better price.

Beginning today, those of your in North America can pre-order invitation for your Raptors at a special invitation price by going to www.everysight.com. On November 15, those who got in early enough will receive their invitation for purchase at the early adopter price of $499 and $549. Product will ship out starting early 2018. The UK and EU invitation process will begin in January 2018.

For more information on the Raptor Augmented Reality Smartglasses, or to request your invitation please visit them at www.everysight.com.

Isaac Manning credits cycling with saving his life, and he’s now using his love of the bike to save others. Mr. Manning was initially a runner—a sport that kept him healthy both mentally and physically for 15 years. “Endorphins are better than antidepressants,” he quips, as he recalls his teen years—a time when he was caught in the darkness of depression. Running helped him through those difficult years, but it was his battle with osteoarthritis that finally forced him to hang up his running shoes when he discovered he had broken his titanium hip and was facing a third hip replacement. Rather than giving up his love of physical activity and the outdoors, Isaac turned to cycling. What began as a necessary lifestyle change transformed into a passionate cross-country ride to raise awareness for suicide—the 2nd leading cause of death for U.S. citizens aged 10-24.

Mr. Manning’s inspiration for his journey began when his dear friend, Tom Harris, lost his daughter to suicide. In the wake of this tragedy, Mr. Harris and his wife founded the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation—which focuses on suicide awareness. Recalling his own years of mental illness, Mr. Manning wanted to “harness grief and turn tragedy into inspiration” by doing a long-distance cycling ride that brought attention to his friend’s foundation. Both Mr. Manning and Mr. Harris began planning their cross-country trek three years ago and have spent the last two years conditioning their bodies to ride from Oregon to Washington DC. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage, they chose to ride the Louis and Clark trail in reverse and end their journey at the Jefferson Memorial to celebrate his role in the Louisiana Purchase.

Preparing for this epic journey left Mr. Manning in the best shape of his life. He realized early on that he had to be serious about conditioning his body and mind if he wanted to be successful in his endeavor. “Like depression, there is no way to B.S. it,” recalled Mr. Manning. In addition to putting in long hours on the bike, he also started following a Paleo diet and making smart calorie choices that worked for his training. He credits Dyar Bentz, whom he dubs his “extreme manager,” for helping him get his body ready for the ride. Dyer himself has done many 1000+ mile rides and knows what it takes to cross the finish line.

The training paid off and Mr. Manning and Mr. Harris are currently traversing the country in a span of nine weeks—covering 3700 miles. But they aren’t alone out on the road. The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation is partnering with the veterans suicide awareness group, Mission 22. Service members and volunteers from Mission 22 will join Mr. Manning and Mr. Harris to support the ride. Also joining the adventure are Mr. Manning and Mr. Harris’ wives, who have affectionately been dubbed “Sag-a-jawea” in honor of their role in guiding and supporting the riders through the Oregon Trail. The two women will be driving a 14-passenger van and a suburban to provide SAG—support and gear—for their husbands along the journey. The riding crew will find shelter across the country through a membership site known as Warm Showers—a cyclist-supported group where members open their homes to other bikers who are seeking shelter mid-ride.

When he’s not cycling, Mr. Manning is real-estate developer and devoted husband. His love of family initially inspired him to look for life insurance. As a life-long health enthusiast, Mr. Manning, was originally attracted to Health IQ’s mission of celebrating health. “I had other insurance policies,” he recalls, “but rewarding health is important to me. The level of excellent customer service and concern for me I experienced at Health IQ confirmed this was the kind of company I wanted to do business with.”

Mr. Manning is now over halfway through the ride, which is scheduled for completion on November 11, 2017. With Mr. Harris and their wives at his side, Mr. Manning can rest assured that he will have the support he needs to succeed in his cycling mission. And with Health IQ on his side, he can rest assured that no matter what happens, his family will be taken care of.

Health IQ’s mission is to improve the health of the world by celebrating the health conscious through social and financial rewards. Founded in 2013 by a team of health-conscious entrepreneurs, Health IQ gathered research and data to convince top-rated, innovative insurance carriers that health-conscious people have lower mortality and deserve lower rates on life insurance. Health IQ is a licensed life insurance agency in all 50 states and has helped thousands of health-conscious people secure billions in insurance coverage. Learn more at HealthIQ.com

Bringing your bike with you when on a road trip means more of exciting destinations awaiting you down the road. However, unless you’ve got an estate car, it’s not so easy to stuff your bike into your vehicle. It’s because cars are usually invented without bikes in mind. Luckily, there are other ‘outside’ bicycle-carrying options that help you enjoy a ride full of opportunities. Neither of them is perfect; you just choose what suits your specific needs more. 123spareparts.co.uk, the UK’s leading dealer of automotive parts, tells about the tools and options of transporting a bike in a car and their pros and cons.

In a boot of an estate car

Estate vehicles (those with a big trunk behind the back seats) allow transporting your bikes minimally disassembled if you fold down the rear seats. Another type of a car will also work with the rear seats folded, but this option will leave little space inside the car (meaning no rare-seat passengers). Another downside is that your car interior can get really dirty. The boot option is the safest possible as it keeps your bikes perfectly locked, almost invisible for the thieves, and protected from the elements. What is more, you don’t need any special tools for using this option (except for the bike disassembly) and the fuel consumption isn’t tangibly compromised.

On a car roof rack

Getting your bikes mounted on the free space above your car roof is a genius invention that helps keep bikes away from your clean interior and paintwork. Roof racks come in different designs: some of them allow carrying fully-assembled bikes while others require taking off the bike’s front wheel. Modern roof racks accommodate to different sizes of wheels and avoid any potential damage to the frame. You will need some extra locks to prevent a bike theft if you leave the car with the bikes on its top unattended. The disadvantages of this carrying option are a high price, increased fuel consumption, and often complicated (and physically demanding) fitting process.

On the boot rack

Fitted to the boot with straps and hooks slotting through its lid, the boot rack is capable of cradling several bikes on its ‘arms’ without compromising the fuel consumption and your budget. The mounting process is much easier than that of the car roof rack because you easily access the rack and don’t have to lift bikes above your head. Similar to the roof-top transportation, you’ll need to shell out for locks to prevent a bike theft. If not mounted securely, the construction can damage the paintwork and the bike itself. This option can worsen lights and plate visibility for other drivers.

On the tow rack

Tow ball bike carriers are very convenient and reliable constructions that securely attach to the car without damaging its paintwork or worsening the fuel consumption. The rack allows cradling 2 to 4 bikes behind your vehicle, and usually has its own plate and lights mount. The only disadvantages are a high price and bulky non-folding design.

]]>http://lovingthebike.com/cycling-travel/transporting-your-bike-by-car-options-and-limitations/feed0Update From Everysight’s Augmented Reality Cycling Smartglasseshttp://lovingthebike.com/reviews/update-from-everysights-augmented-reality-cycling-smartglasses
http://lovingthebike.com/reviews/update-from-everysights-augmented-reality-cycling-smartglasses#respondMon, 09 Oct 2017 17:10:15 +0000http://lovingthebike.com/?p=21795A while back I wrote about how Everysight’s new product had caught my attention. Well, this augmented reality smartglass company continues moving forward and just recently teamed up with Chris McCormack…..a professional ironman champion known as “The World’s Fittest Athlete”.

In my opinion, augmented reality is the newest cool buzzword in the world of technology. You might have noticed that Apple is going big on this and just recently did an update to their operating system to enable their phones to use this stuff.

Everysight’s Raptor smartglasses are bringing this technology to cycling by integrating all the metrics found on your Garmin, or other device to sunglasses. Basically, it’s creating a way for you to keep on eye on all your metrics without ever having to take your vision off the road.

Here’s what Chris has to say about this new technology. “Everysight Raptor is a monumental leap forward that will revolutionize the way we consume and interact with information while training and racing. Once you’ve experienced Raptors, there’s no turning back – you’ll never want to ride without them. They are amazing, an absolute game changer”.

If you’re like me, the Raptor is something you’d like to give a try. Well, we’re going to have to wait just a little bit longer. Later this month, Everysight will be announcing pricing details as well as launch dates. We’ll let you know more as soon as it’s released.

In the meantime, what do you think? With all the new cycling technology and gadgets, do you think the Raptor will be a gamechanger?